The drugs were found in six large sacks containing several bags of cocaine each. They were hidden in cans that were supposed to be carrying pineapples, on a container ship from Ecuador that stopped in Malta on its way to Spain.

Following a risk analysis performed by the customs department, the container ship was considered as a potential high risk.

The customs said that whilst a purity analysis is still to be conducted, it is estimated this haul has a value of tens of millions of euro, possibly 20 million euros (21.5 million U.S. dollars), with one gram being worth around 70 euros.

Malta police have launched an investigation and a magisterial enquiry is also under way.